Instrumentation, Measurement and Control - Kobold Instruments
Instrumentation refers to devices that measure or control physical variables such as temperature, level, flow, or pressure. These products are essential in the industry because they allow for maximum output with mi...
Turbine flow meters measure liquid flow by counting the rotation of a turbine rotor. They're accurate and responsive in clean, low-viscosity liquids such as water, fuels and light chemicals.
Turbine Meter Features
- High accuracy – suitable for batching and blending
- Wide turndown – broad flow range
- Pulse and analog outputs – connect to totalizers and controls
- Sanitary and stainless versions – food and chemical service
Installation Tips
Provide enough straight pipe upstream and downstream, and install a strainer to protect the rotor. Viscosity changes affect accuracy, so turbines suit consistent, clean fluids.
Centro supplies turbine flow meters for water, fuel and chemical measurement.
Related categories: Flow Meters | Roto Meters | Magnetic Flow Meters | Thermal Flow Meters | Positive Displacement Flow Meters
Flow control accessories complete a flow measurement installation. Fittings, adapters, displays, cables and mounting hardware help your meters and sensors install correctly and read accurately.
Accessories Available
- Insertion fittings and saddles – mount sensors in pipe
- Flow conditioners and straighteners – reduce the straight-run piping needed
- Remote displays and totalizers – read flow away from the meter
- Cables and connectors – connect sensors to controllers
- Grounding rings and gaskets – for magnetic flow meters
Selecting Accessories
Accessories are often specific to a meter brand and model, so start with your meter's part number and pipe size. Grounding rings are needed on mag meters installed in plastic or lined pipe. Flow conditioners help where piping doesn't allow enough straight run.
Centro can match flow control accessories to your existing meters and installation.
Related categories: Flow Control | Flow Sensors | Flow, pH & Conductivity Meters, Transmitters & Controllers | Flow Meters | Flow Transmitters
Flow switches monitor liquid or air flow and trigger alarms or shutdowns when flow is too low or too high. They protect pumps, heat exchangers, chillers and cooling systems.
Flow Switch Types
- Paddle flow switches – simple, rugged
- Thermal flow switches – no moving parts
- Piston and magnetic flow switches – precise set points
- Air flow switches – ducts and HVAC
Choosing a Switch
Select by media, flow range, pipe size, pressure and temperature. Adjustable set points add flexibility.
Centro supplies flow switches.
Related categories: Flow Control | Flow Transmitters | Flow Meters | Flow Sensors | Flow Control Accessories
Flow sensors detect and measure the movement of liquids and gases in a pipe or duct. They protect pumps from running dry, confirm cooling flow to machines and give your control system the feedback it needs.
Flow Sensor Technologies
- Thermal flow sensors – no moving parts, suitable for water, oil and air
- Paddle and vane sensors – simple, rugged flow detection
- Magnetic inductive sensors – for conductive liquids
- Ultrasonic clamp-on sensors – non-invasive measurement on existing pipe
- Vortex sensors – steam, gas and liquid applications
Choosing a Sensor
Consider the media, flow range, pipe size, temperature and pressure, and whether you need a switching point, a continuous analog signal or both. IO-Link sensors provide extra diagnostics. Follow the straight-run requirements for accurate readings.
Centro offers flow sensors for machine cooling, process monitoring and pump protection.
Related categories: Flow Control | Flow Meters | Flow Control Accessories | Flow Transmitters | Flow, pH & Conductivity Meters, Transmitters & Controllers
Ultrasonic flow meters use cutting-edge technology to precisely gauge the velocity of gas coursing through pipes. These meters employ transducers strategically positioned on opposite sides of the pipe. One transducer emits ultrasonic waves across the pipe, while its counterpart catches these waves. By timing the waves' journey upstream and downstream, these meters can accurately determine gas velocity. This data, when combined with the pipe's cross-sectional area, facilitates the calculation of gas flow rate. Renowned for their non-intrusive nature and versatility, ultrasonic flow meters find applications in various fields, including natural gas distribution, compressed air systems, and HVAC installations. Their appeal lies in their remarkable accuracy, wide turndown ratios, and low maintenance requirements, making them a preferred choice for gas flow measurement across industries. For further assistance and expert advice on selecting the right ultrasonic flow meter for your application, contact the product experts. They'll be glad to assist you.
Related categories: Flow Meters | Sight Flow Indicators | Water Meters | Accessories and Parts | Gas Flow Meters
Flow meters measure the rate and total volume of liquids and gases moving through pipes and channels. Accurate flow data supports billing, batching, process control and efficiency improvements.
Flow Meter Types
- Magnetic flow meters – conductive liquids with no moving parts
- Turbine flow meters – clean, low-viscosity liquids
- Positive displacement meters – viscous fluids
- Thermal mass meters – gas flow
- Rotameters – simple visual indication
- Open channel and anemometer meters – water channels and airflow
Choosing a Flow Meter
The fluid, flow range, accuracy, pipe size and installation constraints decide the technology. Consider pressure drop, straight-run needs and output signals.
Centro can help you select flow meters for your fluid and application.
Shop by type: Open Channel Flow Meters | Anemometer Flow Meters | Positive Displacement Flow Meters | Magnetic Flow Meters | Turbine Flow Meters | Roto Meters | Thermal Flow Meters | Visual Flow Meters
Related categories: Flow Control | Flow Transmitters | Flow Sensors | Flow Switches | Flow Control Accessories
Magnetic flow meters are tools for measuring the flow of liquids in various industries. They work by using a magnetic field to determine the velocity of the fluid flowing through a pipe. One of the best things about these meters is their accuracy and reliability, especially when dealing with dirty or corrosive liquids. They're commonly used in water treatment plants, chemical processing, and even in food and beverage production because they have no moving parts and don't obstruct the flow, which means less maintenance and a longer lifespan. Have your pipe size, liquid and flow range handy, and our instrumentation team can help you size a mag meter and choose the right liner and electrode materials.
Related categories: Flow Meters | Turbine Flow Meters | Positive Displacement Flow Meters | Roto Meters | Anemometer Flow Meters
Gas flow meters are devices used for measuring the flow rate of gases. They utilize different principles for measurement, including differential pressure, velocity, positive displacement, thermal sensing, and Coriolis effects. Differential pressure meters gauge the pressure decrease across a constriction, velocity meters gauge gas speed, positive displacement meters measure the flow rate by trapping and then releasing discrete volumes of gas, thermal meters detect heat transfer, and Coriolis meters measure the twisting of vibrating tubes. Each type has its advantages and limitations, with selection dependent on factors such as gas type, flow rate range, pressure, temperature, and required accuracy, for specific application needs. For further assistance and expert advice on selecting the right gas flow meter, the product experts will be glad to assist.
Related categories: Flow Meters | Water Meters | Visual Flow Meters | Ultrasonic Flow Meters | Thermal Flow Meters
Thermal mass flow meters measure gas flow directly in mass units, with no separate pressure or temperature compensation. They're ideal for compressed air, natural gas, nitrogen and process gases.
Thermal Meter Features
- Direct mass flow – SCFM and Nm³/h readings
- Wide turndown – accurate at low flows for leak detection
- Insertion and inline models – suit pipe sizes
- No moving parts – low maintenance
- Totalizing and outputs – 4-20 mA, pulse and digital
Choosing a Thermal Meter
Provide the gas type, flow range, pipe size, pressure and temperature. Follow straight-run requirements for accuracy. Thermal meters are a great fit for compressed air audits and sub-metering.
Centro supplies thermal flow meters for gas and compressed air measurement.
Related categories: Flow Meters | Visual Flow Meters | Roto Meters | Gas Flow Meters | Turbine Flow Meters
Rotameters, also called variable area flow meters, show flow with a float that rises in a tapered tube. They're simple, inexpensive and need no power, so they're widely used for purge flows, gas blending, water treatment and lab systems.
Rotameter Options
- Glass tube rotameters – clear visual indication
- Plastic and acrylic meters – water and low-pressure service
- Metal tube rotameters – high pressure, temperature and opaque fluids
- Integral needle valves – set and control flow
- Transmitters and alarms – add remote signals
Choosing a Rotameter
Rotameters are calibrated for specific fluids, pressures and temperatures, so provide your conditions for accurate scaling. Install vertically with flow upward. Metal tubes suit hazardous or high-pressure lines.
Centro supplies rotameters for liquid and gas flow indication.
Related categories: Flow Meters | Thermal Flow Meters | Turbine Flow Meters | Visual Flow Meters | Magnetic Flow Meters
$44.54
$37.12
$74.24
Subject to factory lead times
$45.60
Subject to factory lead times
$286.32
$304.35
$419.94
$586.43
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$44.54
$37.12
$74.24
Subject to factory lead times
$45.60
Subject to factory lead times
$286.32
$304.35
$419.94
$586.43
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$862.14
Subject to factory lead times
$884.41
Subject to factory lead times
- Selecting the right process instrument starts with defining four things: what variable you need to measure (temperature, pressure, flow, or level), the process conditions the instrument will face (media type, temperature range, pressure range, corrosiveness, and whether the environment is hazardous), the accuracy and response time your application requires, and how the measurement data needs to be communicated (local display only, 4–20 mA signal to a PLC/DCS, or digital protocol like HART or Modbus). For temperature, the choice between thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared sensors depends on the temperature range and accuracy needed. For pressure, gauge type, range, wetted materials, and whether you need local indication or a remote transmitter signal are the key decisions. For flow, the fluid properties (conductive liquid, gas, steam, slurry) determine whether a magnetic, ultrasonic, Coriolis, vortex, or variable-area meter is the best fit. For level, vessel conditions (open vs. pressurized, clean liquid vs. foam/solids) guide the choice between float switches, ultrasonic, radar, or differential pressure technologies. Centro's instrumentation specialists can help you match the right technology to your specific process conditions and budget.
- Accurate process instrumentation is the foundation of safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Every control loop — whether it manages boiler pressure, reactor temperature, tank level, or pipeline flow — depends on instruments that provide reliable, real-time measurements. If a temperature sensor reads inaccurately, a heater may overshoot and damage the product or create a safety hazard. If a level transmitter drifts, a tank may overflow or run dry. If a flow meter is undersized, the control system cannot maintain the correct feed rate. Beyond safety and quality, accurate instrumentation directly impacts energy consumption, raw material usage, and regulatory compliance. Calibrated, properly specified instruments reduce waste, prevent unplanned shutdowns, and provide the data required for regulatory reporting and quality documentation.
- A process control loop is a system that continuously measures a process variable, compares it to a desired setpoint, and adjusts an output to keep the variable at the setpoint. The loop consists of three elements: the sensor/transmitter (measures the variable — e.g., a thermocouple measuring temperature), the controller (compares the measurement to the setpoint and calculates a corrective output — typically a PID controller), and the final control element (adjusts the process — e.g., a control valve that opens or closes to change steam flow). Instruments are the eyes and ears of the loop — without accurate, responsive sensors and transmitters, the controller cannot make correct decisions, and the process drifts out of specification. The entire loop must be properly engineered as a system — sensor accuracy, transmitter range, controller tuning, and valve sizing must all be matched to the process requirements.
- Industrial instruments communicate with controllers and PLCs using standardized electrical signals. The 4–20 mA analog current loop is the most widely used signal in process instrumentation — it transmits a variable measurement as a proportional current (4 mA = zero/low range, 20 mA = full scale), and the current-based signal is resistant to voltage drop and electrical noise over long cable runs. The 0–10 V DC voltage signal is used in some HVAC and building automation applications but is more susceptible to noise and cable length limitations. Discrete (on/off) signals — from switches, relays, and transmitter alarm contacts — indicate threshold conditions like high level, low pressure, or flow/no-flow. Digital communication protocols — HART (layered on top of 4–20 mA for configuration and diagnostics), Foundation Fieldbus, PROFIBUS PA, and IO-Link — enable bidirectional communication between the instrument and the control system for advanced diagnostics, remote configuration, and multi-variable data.
- When instruments are installed in locations classified as hazardous (areas where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dusts may be present), they must be approved for that classification to prevent ignition. Key considerations include the area classification (Class I for gases/vapors, Class II for dusts, with Division 1 for normally present hazards and Division 2 for abnormal conditions — or Zone 0/1/2 under ATEX/IECEx), the protection method (intrinsic safety, explosion-proof, non-incendive, or purged/pressurized), and the specific gas group and temperature class. Intrinsically safe (IS) instruments — used with IS barriers in the safe area — limit energy to levels too low to cause ignition and are the most common and practical approach for low-power sensors and transmitters. Explosion-proof enclosures contain any internal explosion and are used for higher-power devices. Always verify the instrument's certification (FM, CSA, ATEX, IECEx) matches the area classification before installation.
